Kazuo Ishiguro won the Nobel prize for Literature this year.
He's my favourite living author. He has written about six books, very diverse in setting, but consistent in theme. He treats almost unbearable poignancy, the simultaneous observation of completely pure, total, and lifelong love and the certainty that it will be corrupted, unrealised and lost. To read his books is a heartbreak, but is also to convince you utterly of goodness.
He was up against Murakami and Atwood, two brilliant authors of probably greater cultural significance who would have each certainly made an excellent choice themselves.
But Ishiguro for me has the most singularly fine writing of any living author. He is one for the ages. Congratulations.
